Posts for tag: Calluses

Whether it’s because of those cute, unsupportive ballet flats or those 3 inch stilettos, you may become a victim to bunions! It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries. Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding them. Many people who have bunions may suffer unnecessary pain for years before seeking any kind of treatment. Bunions progressively get worse over time and eventually may need surgery, which is why at DM Foot & Ankle, Dr. Kim and I believe in educating our patients to be proactive about bunions so they can be halted in the early stages.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe. Bunions form when the toe moves out of place.

How do you recognize a bunion?

The big toe joint appears enlarged and may stick out from the edge of the foot. It can be sensitive to shoes which may result in pain. The big toe usually leans in, and points towards your other toes, instead of pointing straight. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities such as hammertoes.

What causes bunions?

Bunions can be caused by several different factors. Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Another cause is faulty foot structure, which tends to run in families. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronatedfeet can contribute to bunion formation as well.

How are bunions treated?

First, the pressure and pain from irritations must be relieved. Second, any progressive growth of the bunion must be stopped. Here are some common ways to treat bunions- keep in mind, these treatments may alleviate the pain, but will not correct the existing bunion:

Protective padding to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.

Changing to footwear that is designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.

Orthotics—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in a more optimal position for walking and standing.

Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.

Toe Splints to help the toes and joint align properly while you sleep.

Surgery – removing the bunion surgically, aka a bunionectomy; this is the only way to correct an existing bunion.

At DM Foot & Ankle, we offer comprehensive and effective treatment for bunions. Dr. Kim and I find that many people wait too long to see a doctor about their bunions and end up having permanent damage by the time they get it checked out. We advise our patients to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid further enlargement and pain. If you or someone you know may have a bunion, Dr. Kim and I encourage you to stop by DM Foot & Ankle to see if we can start a treatment process that best suits your needs!

If you’re looking for a great way to run off that turkey dinner tomorrow, search no further! It has become a tradition for many cities around the United States to host marathons or “turkey trots” around Thanksgiving. At DM Foot & Ankle, we are big fans of these marathons, as well as our marathon runners! We advise all runners to take precautionary measures to ensure a good run and to avoid injury!

A few of the most common problems that we see with runners at DM Foot & Ankle are things such as Athlete's Foot, which is the most common fungal infection in the world. We also see Corns and Calluses, which are the thickening of skin in areas on your feet as a result of pressure. Another common problem is Achilles Tendinitis, when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot.Those who run for long periods of time on hard surfaces, such as concrete, sometimes have Shin Splints, which is pain in the shin and lower leg. We also see people with pain in the heel and arch that is called Plantar Fasciitis, that is caused by inflammation along the ligament on the bottom of the foot.

Most of the problems above can be avoided by proper foot care, hygiene, and by wearing the right running shoes. Proper shoe gear can help to ease the discomfort or avoid the problem altogether. So, here are a few tips on shoe gear from Dr. Emini and I!

Dr. Emini and I, along with the staff here at DM Foot & Ankle, want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with lots of laughs and turkey!We also want to wish good luck to all of the marathon runners! If you want more information about running and your feet, be sure to check out our Pinterest - Running Board for shoe tips, motivation and more!

Pumpkin Spice Lattes, football games, and piles of colorful leaves everywhere…Boot weather is finally upon us! Fall took a while to get here this year but winter is quickly on its tail. This means that it’s about time to go shopping for some new boots! Unfortunately, many people will be buying the wrong shoes this winter. Before you go out shopping for your new stylish booties or your heavy duty snow boots make sure you take a look at our six tips for finding the perfect boot for you!

1. Always buy for your bigger foot. I know ladies hate this one, but it’s important to have your feet measured to find shoes that will fit both of your feet comfortably. Nine out of ten women are currently wearing shoes that are too small for them. This can lead to a plethora of problems including bunions, hammertoes, calluses and more.

2. Make sure your foot has arch support. A cushioned-soled boot with sturdy support is important for your foot. A well built shoe normally has a removable liner that can be replaced by orthotics or arch supports.

3. Shop at the end of the day. Your feet will have swollen and measure more true to your size if you go boot shopping later in the day.

4. Don’t buy a flimsy shoe. Invest in a good pair of boots that fits right and will last a long time. Only the front third should bend up. The rear two-thirds of the shoe should be strong and unable to bend or twist.

5. Wear the right socks. Make sure to wear the same type and thickness of socks that you normally wear when shopping at the store.

6. Don’t let your feet get wet! The material of your boot is just as important as the way it fits. If you are buying a snow boot make sure that it’s waterproof. Keeping your feet dry will ensure that there’s no room for fungus to grow.

At DM Foot & Ankle we focus on educating people on the prevention of foot problems, as well as treating feet that have been abused by years of unhealthy footwear.Dr. Kim and I can fit you for custom orthotics that will give your foot the support it needs. We also treat things such as Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis),Fungal Nails, Bunions, Hammertoes, and Calluses that can be caused by wearing improper shoe gear. Stop in to get your feet checked and to learn more about keeping your feet healthy! Now go pick out your perfect winter boot!